Ladakh, India
ZANSKAR ROAD SAFARI
The Road Trip You Have Been Waiting All You Life
8 NIGHTS/ 9 DAYS
Embark on a thrilling Zanskar Road Safari this summer in Ladakh, an adventure like no other. Traverse rugged landscapes, winding through the majestic Himalayas, as you soak in breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. Experience the rich cultural tapestry of remote villages, encountering warm hospitality and ancient traditions. Navigate through challenging terrain, crossing rivers and high-altitude passes, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the region. Whether a seasoned adventurer or a nature enthusiast, this safari promises an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most captivating landscapes, etching memories to last a lifetime.
Day 1: Start from Manali
Located at an altitude of 2050m, Manali is a gateway to dense flora and picturesque surroundings. Set on the Beas River, it’s a haven for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It’s also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass. Manali is named after the Sanātanī lawgiver Manu (see Manusmriti). The name Manali is regarded as the derivative of Manu-Alaya (transl. ’the abode of Manu’). In Hindu cosmology, Manu is believed to have stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world. The Kullu Valley in which Manali is situated is often referred to as the “Valley of the Gods”.
Day 2: A Day Chasing Instagram Worthy Moments
Visit the top places in Manali hiking your way up as you make your friends jealous with larger than life pictures on Instagram. Explore the medieval Castle of Naggar that was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 A.D. Then spend your day visiting the Strout fish farm & immersing in the experience of Jogini falls-a picturesque waterfall in a remote, tranquil setting that has shrines below it & is sacred to locals.
Day 3: Drive to Jispa – Shingula Pass – Gongbo Rangjon – Purne Khangsar
The 5,091-metre-high Shinku La Pass, which connects Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh with Zanskar Valley in Kargil is a mesmerizing sight to behold. Right after you descend from Shinkula, the majority of your route will now move next to the Zanskar river spotting the beautiful mountain -Gongbo Rangjon
Day 4: Day hike to Phutgal Monastery and back to Purn
Visit the beautiful Phuktal Monastery, a Buddhist monastery located in the remote Lungnak Valley in south-eastern Zanskar, in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, in Northern India. It is one of the only Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh that can still be reached only by foot. Supplies to the monastery are brought on horses, donkeys, and mules in the warmer months.
Day 5: Purne – Mune – Bardan Monastery – Padum
Driving through the larger than life landscapes, we witness the majestic Bardan Monastery. he 17th century established Drukpa monastery of Bardan is spectacularly located on a rocky crag just above the road on Tsarap Chu river. It is a stunning sight to see this whitewashed building constructed on a rock that rises almost 100 m. directly from the river.
Day 6: Padum Local sightseeing (Karsha, Stongday, Zongkul, Sani)
In ancient times, Padum was used to be one of the two capitals of the kingdom of Zanskar, other being Zangla, which also houses a palace too. Karsha is the largest & richest monastery in the Zanskar region. It is the house of about 150 residential monks. Karsha is about 14 KMs from Padum village and offers extremely picturesque panoramic views of the whole valley from its vantage points.
Day 7: Padum – Yulchung – Singgela Pass – Photoksar – Sir Sirla Pass – Wanla -Khalatse – Thimisgam
The road from Padum to Thimisgam via Lingshed is one of the most adventurous ones you will ever travel. The thrill and excitement of traveling on this road for the first time is something that you will never forget. It is a route that will take you through a region so remote that for the most part of it, you will be all on your own. Through a narrow gorge, on roads barely wide enough for one car, climbs so steep that your vehicle will stall – you complete a journey that will get your heart pumping and will remain etched in the memory for life. Finally, enjoy your stay at Thimisgam- a rural hamlet in the remote Himalayas off Srinagar – Leh route between Lamayuru and Alchi
Day 8: Savour the Life in Leh
Leh Ladakh is also considered to be the world’s highest desert, with nothing but rocky terrains all around that are a treat to your eyes. The clear blue skies, where the stars shine bright at night, the enchanting lakes, the gorges that run deep down, and roads that spiral continuously are all marks of mother nature’s raw beauty that knows how to enchant the travelers. Spend your day exploring this beautiful place, shopping at the Leh market, or just taking a stroll down the streets. Whatever you do, your heart will be filled by Ladakh.
Day 9: Fly out from Leh
Your handpicked inclusions
- Assistance upon arrival & departure.
- Stay at hotels
- Mineral water in the car.
- Inner Line Permit fee/Restricted Area Permit.
- All transfer & sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Environment fee, Wild Life & Red cross fee, Royalty Fee.
- GST
